The Atlanta Falcons have officially found their new general manager, and it’s a name that’s been circling the top of their list from the jump: Ian Cunningham. After a thorough search process following the hiring of Kevin Stefanski as head coach, the Falcons landed on the Bears’ assistant GM to take over the reins in Atlanta’s front office.
And make no mistake-this hire wasn’t just about familiarity. It was about fit, vision, and a shared belief in where this franchise is headed.
Cunningham edged out Houston Texans assistant GM James Liipfert for the job, with both candidates going through in-person interviews earlier in the day. Those were the only two finalists to make it to the second round, and by the time the Falcons wrapped up their meetings, it was clear who their guy was. The decision came quickly-faster than most expected-but when you know, you know.
There’s no denying the connection between Cunningham and Matt Ryan played a role here. Cunningham worked closely with Bears GM Ryan Poles, Ryan’s college teammate, and Poles was reportedly involved in helping steer the early stages of the Falcons’ front office search. That kind of trust and alignment matters, especially when you’re building a new regime from the ground up.
But Cunningham’s résumé stands on its own. Before his time in Chicago, he cut his teeth in two of the NFL’s most respected front offices-Baltimore and Philadelphia-learning under Ozzie Newsome and Howie Roseman, respectively.
That’s a scouting pedigree that carries real weight. He’s seen how championship-caliber rosters are built and sustained, and now he gets the chance to bring that blueprint to Atlanta.
With Cunningham now officially in place, the Falcons’ new leadership structure is locked in. The Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot chapter is closed, and a fresh era is underway at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Between Stefanski on the sideline and Cunningham in the front office, this is a reset with purpose-and with potential.
Of course, there’s an element of uncertainty here. Two of the top three decision-makers in the organization are stepping into these roles for the first time in Atlanta.
That’s a big shift. But what stands out is the alignment.
Ryan, Stefanski, and Cunningham appear to be on the same wavelength, committed to a shared vision of what Falcons football should look like moving forward.
For a fan base that’s been craving stability and direction, this offseason has delivered a jolt of energy. It’s not just about new names-it’s about a new approach. And with Cunningham now officially calling the shots in the front office, the Falcons have taken a significant step toward building something that lasts.